Simeone praises Ancelotti ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid – ‘Much better than me’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all set to square off for the fourth time this season on Wednesday night in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

After winning 2-1 in the first leg, the decisive match at the Metropolitano on Wednesday will determine Real Madrid’s fate.

Atletico Madrid, for their part, are looking to eliminate their neighbours from the Champions League for the first time in their history.

And in his pre-match press conference, Los Rojiblancos manager Diego Simeone appeared calm but confident about achieving their goal.

“Football presents different scenarios and energies within a match. We will go through difficult defensive moments and others where we will have more opportunities,” the Argentine started.

“Freshness and quality will decide the outcome. They have the advantage, and we need to find that goal to stay in the match,” he added.

Simeone made it clear that he fully trusts his players, saying: “I believe in my squad and have confidence in the team. I understand and interpret their hearts. We will go out there to keep fighting in this Champions League – our goal is to reach the final.”

The Atleti head coach also acknowledged the importance of home support but stressed that the players must perform on the pitch, as he said:

“Our fans will push us, but the reality is what happens on the field. We need to reflect the energy from the stands in our play. Just having great support will not win us the match. I know this is a huge game, and hopefully, we can show that on the pitch.”

Comparisons with Ancelotti

One of the standout moments in the press conference came when Simeone was asked about Carlo Ancelotti’s earlier comments, where the Italian suggested they shared similar coaching styles.

“I spent a long time in Italy, and he was born there. Our backgrounds and experiences may lead to some similarities, but it is clear that Ancelotti is much better than me,” Simeone admitted.

Great mutual respect between Ancelotti and Simeone. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Discussing Real Madrid’s playing style, he analysed: “Their characteristics, with very direct players… They play a more vertical game rather than an associative one.

“We are a collective team. We can adapt to different situations, and hopefully, we show our best version tomorrow.”

Simeone did not rule out the possibility of the match going to penalties, as he said: “We have not specifically trained for penalties. We might practice some today, but it is never the same in training as it is in a real match. It is clear that penalties are a possibility.”

Message to Young Players

Simeone had words of encouragement for Atletico Madrid’s younger players ahead of the monumental clash against their local rivals, saying:

“Yes, we have young players who might get minutes. They are not used to matches like this, but it is part of their growth. Any footballer in the world would love to play these games. There is always tension and pressure, but in the end, it is just a match.

“I ask them if they ever imagined playing games like this, and most would say no because they are still young and experiencing this reality for the first time. It is one of the best things that can happen.”

Continuing, he added: “It excites me and helps me relate to them. They will have an incredible experience.”

Simeone also predicted a standout performance from key forward Antoine Griezmann on Wednesday night.

“Tomorrow will be a great match for Griezmann. I am completely convinced,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT